Victoria's Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley has responded to criticisms over the new telephone warning system, saying residents must take some responsibility for seeking information about fires in their area.

"We know that the phone system isn't the silver bullet," says Craig Lapsley.

New technology allows the Incident Controller of a particular fire to mark an area on a map and have warnings sent by telephone to all residents in that area.

Craig Lapsley says that the system is only used to warn people in immediate danger.

"If you wait just for a telephone message the fire can be in your backyard," says Craig Lapsley.

He says people must take it upon themselves to stay informed about fire activity in their area.

"We've got to make sure people don't rely on any one system," says the Fire Services Commissioner. "They've got to be aware of what's going on around them, aware of their own situation."

That includes checking the CFA website and listening to ABC Local Radio in your area.

Craig Lapsley says listening to the radio is still the best way to get emergency information.

"I am a strong believer that the radio is the best way to get information because it's dynamic, more than any other technology," says Craig Lapsley.